Cat
People

1982

The Movie

The Cat People originated way back in time, when humans sacrificed
their women to Leopards, who mated with them. Cat People look similar to humans,
but must mate with other Cat People. The movie features a brother and sister,
who may be the last of their kind ...

Review

No, this is not a vampire movie; but
I feel it shares a lot with the early vampire films, including the sensuality
aspects; much more than it shares with the lycanthrope genre.

This version
was commissioned by Universal as a remake of the 1942 version; by the time it
reached the screen, only one major scene remained from the earlier film. indeed,
the director complains bitterly that if he'd only changed the title, he'd have
avoided a load of pointless comparisons.

Kinski was perfect casting, there's
no doubt about that. Looking virginal, beautiful, and fine actor, she made the
character come alive - this is one of the few 'horror films' I've seen, where
one of the protagonists is the one most frightened and unable to control events.

Malcolm
McDowell shows menace as he tries to force her to continue the bloodline with
him; once that threat recededs, there's the greater threat of falling in love
and having to face the truth.

The director had a simple policy; lead the
audience to expect sex, and give them blood - lead them to expect blood, and give
them sex. It's clear that Kinski's unembarassed nudity has helped the movie to
it's cult status, but the film has much more to offer, including its unexpected
finale.

The DVD

Special Features

An Intimate Portrait by Paul
Schrader Feature Commentary with director Paul Schrader On the Set with
the Director Special Make-Up Effects by Tom Burman Matte Paintings
Filmmaker Robert Wise on the producer of the original Cat People, Val Lewton